Nothing Phone 3 Review: Enters the Big League With a Big Price

London just witnessed Nothing stepping into the big leagues. Forget mid-range murmurs; the Phone (3) is here, a genuine contender crashing the flagship party. Think Apple’s polished empire and Samsung’s sprawling kingdom – that’s the neighborhood Nothing’s now calling home. Sure, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have a few select VIPs gatecrashing, but this feels different. Nothing isn’t just visiting; they’ve built a house. And it’s priced to play, hovering north of ₹70,000.

Forget incremental growth; Nothing’s blazing a trail in India! Counterpoint’s April report reveals a staggering 156% year-over-year surge, crowning them the fastest-growing brand for thefifth straight quarter. The secret weapon? The wildly popular 3a series. This explosive growth isn’t just luck; it’s a testament to Nothing’s vision, catapulting them into the premium smartphone arena. Now, the real battle begins: Nothing is ready to challenge the reigning champions and redefine what a premium phone can be.

Entering the premium smartphone arena at Rs. 79,999, the Phone 3 finds itself in a gladiator pit. It’s not just fighting for scraps; it’s squaring up against titans. Samsung’s Galaxy S25, a gateway to their empire, undercuts it at Rs. 74,999. Apple’s iPhone 16, once a king, now humbled by time and discounts, lurks at a comparable price. Even the youthful iPhone 16e, a tempting Rs. 59,900, whispers temptations of savings. Oppo’s Find X8 and the powerhouse X200 Pro circle below Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 95,000 respectively, adding to the melee. Xiaomi’s nimble 15 darts in at Rs. 65,000, while the OnePlus 13, a familiar contender, hangs tough below Rs. 70,000. Can the Phone 3 truly claim its throne amidst this royal rumble? It’s not just about price; it’s about proving it’s worth the crown.

Forget incremental upgrades. The Nothing Phone (3) isn’t just iterating; it’s detonating expectations. Dive into the definitive review – we’re dissecting every micron of innovation.

The Phone 3 design can be polarising for some users Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Nothing Phone 3 Design and Display: Mr. Dependable

• Dimensions – 160.60×75.59×8.99mm
• Weight – 218 grams
• IP68 rating
• Display – 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 4500nits peak brightness

Nothing Phone (3): A Transparently Unique Design

In a world of look-alike smartphones, the Nothing Phone (3) shouts, “I’m different!” It boldly carries on Nothing’s transparent design DNA, guaranteeing you won’t confuse it with the masses.

Imagine a sleek, boxy design framing a flat display, a study in understated cool. Now, picture it nestled comfortably in your hand for hours, thanks to subtly curved edges. The Phone (3) delivers both form and function.

Feast your eyes on a near-borderless visual experience! A staggering 92.89% screen-to-body ratio maximizes your viewing pleasure, while bezels melt away, making the Phone (2)’s look almost…retro.

Warning: this phone has substance! At 218 grams, it’s a statement piece. Slightly weightier than the OnePlus 13 (210 grams), it makes the iPhone 16 (a featherweight 170 grams) feel like a toy. The Phone (3) is built to be felt.

The waterdrop notch feels like a relic of smartphone design, a missed opportunity for Nothing’s signature innovation. However, the device redeems itself with a commitment to sustainability. Its mid-frame, buttons, and SIM tray boast 100% recycled aluminum, while the packaging has ditched plastic entirely, showcasing a tangible step towards eco-consciousness.

The display on the Phone 3 is bright and sports a refresh rate of 120Hz Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Back to the aluminium frame – grip it, and you’ll immediately feel the reassuring solidity. This isn’t a flimsy phone; it’s built for the everyday grind. Click the power and Essential key on the right, then tap the volume rockers on the left. Each press delivers satisfying tactile feedback, a small detail that speaks volumes about quality.

The back panel is where the Phone 3 truly explodes with personality. Forget subtle curves; this is a playground of geometric asymmetry. A daring three-column grid showcases a medley of design elements, playing elegance against the rebellious glint of the periscope lens perched in the upper right corner. It’s a bold statement, a visual feast, and proof that the design team had a blast.

The Nothing Phone 3’s misaligned rear camera isn’t a flaw; it’s a rebellious design statement. Accidental avant-garde, perhaps, but undeniably eye-catching.

Around the back, a crimson recording light winks to life whenever you hit record – video or voice. Content creators, take note: it pulses urgently during video uploads. And for everyday peace of mind, there’s IP68 dust-and-water resistance – because life happens.

The Phone 3’s weight is 218 grams, and it is convenient to use it with just one hand Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

That camera bump on the back? It’s not exactly shy. The wide and ultrawide lenses jut out, creating a noticeable rise. But surprisingly, even with that audacious bulge, the phone remains relatively stable when laid flat, preventing a catastrophic wobble while you’re furiously typing out messages.

The Phone 3’s screen doesn’t just display images; it explodes with them. Imagine a 6.67-inch AMOLED canvas, bursting with vibrant colors rendered at a razor-sharp 460 pixels per inch. We’re talking visuals so crisp, they practically leap off the screen.

But here’s where things get truly dazzling: this display cranks up to an eye-searing 4500 nits when you’re immersed in HDR content. Think blindingly realistic sunsets and shadowy depths rendered with breathtaking clarity. Even under the blazing sun, visibility is pristine, peaking at 1600 nits. Control freaks, rejoice! You can manually adjust the brightness up to a still-impressive 800 nits.

Of course, all the flagship staples are here: HDR10+ support for dynamic contrast, a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid motion, and 2160Hz PWM dimming to soothe your eyes during those late-night binges.

In the real world? The Phone 3’s display is a champion. Colors pop, text is laser-etched sharp, and battling sunlight is a breeze. Thanks to Widevine L1 certification, your favorite streaming apps serve up HD content without a hitch. Consider it a pocket-sized cinema and gaming powerhouse – until you glance at the Galaxy S25 or OnePlus 13, whose displays are noticeably superior.

The display on the Phone 3 is bright, but we have seen better displays in the price bracket Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Nothing Phone 3 Glyph Interface

Remember the Phone 1’s subtle light strip? Forget subtle. The Glyph Interface has exploded into a full-fledged, attention-grabbing spectacle. Imagine a world where your phone whispers vital information without ever demanding your gaze. That’s the power of the Glyph Matrix.

Nestled in the upper right corner, a constellation of 489 individually firing LEDs forms a mesmerizing, monochrome dot display. It’s more than just a light show; it’s a revolutionary way to interact. Caller ID pulses to life, app notifications dance across the surface, and battery levels glow reassuringly, all without unlocking your phone.

The Glyph Matrix frees you from the tyranny of constant screen checks. And this is just the beginning. Expect Nothing to unleash even more dazzling possibilities for their signature light show in the future.

The Phone 3’s Glyph Interface? More gimmick than game-changer. It’s a blinking curiosity begging for a purpose, currently trapped in a cycle of repetitive notifications. Potential abounds, but right now, it’s a toddler with a light switch – endlessly fascinated, ultimately unproductive.

Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Imagine your phone calls lighting up with pixelated personality. Assign quirky, custom icons to your contacts, and watch their unique avatars dance across the screen every time they ring. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Dive into the Glyph Matrix with the Glyph Button, your portal to a playground of interactive features. Nothing unveils “Glyph Toys” a collection of playful tools like a digital spin the bottle, a retro-cool digital clock, a visual battery gauge, a stopwatch with a futuristic twist, a solar clock tracking the sun’s journey, a cryptic Magic 8 Ball, a community-crafted game, and even a high-tech rock, paper, scissors showdown.

The Phone 3 comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i at the front and Gorilla Glass Victus at the back Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Nothing Phone 3 Performance: Every day ninja

• SoC – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
• RAM + Storage – 12GB + 256 GB and 16GB + 512 GB
• Biometric – In-display fingerprint sensor
• Glyph Interface and Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15

The Phone 3 laughs in the face of multitasking. Apps snap open with blinding speed, and even graphics-intensive behemoths like COD: Mobile and BGMI run smoother than silk. Crank up the settings – COD: Mobile and Genshin Impact default to the highest, daring you to push the limits. But here’s the kicker: even after a grueling 45-minute COD marathon, the Phone 3 barely breaks a sweat. That vapor chamber cooling? It’s not just working; it’s performing miracles. Under the hood, you’ll find a staggering 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, enough to hold your digital life… almost. Sadly, there’s no 1TB option for the truly insatiable.

It comes in 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB RAM and storage models Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Under the hood, the Phone 3 sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a chip becoming increasingly common in the sub-Rs. 50,000 smartphone bracket. Given the expected price point, some might’ve hoped for the current Android performance king, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, Nothing likely aimed for a more accessible price. Benchmarks reveal the Phone 3 holds its own, as you can see in the comparison table that follows.

Benchmarks	Nothing Phone 3	Oppo Find X8 Pro	OnePlus 13	Samsung Galaxy S25
Chipset	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4	Dimensity 9400	Snapdragon 8 Elite	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display resolution	FHD+	FHD+	QHD+	FHD+
AnTuTu v10	20,01,364	23,38,411	22,59,761	21,13,343
PCMark Work 3.0	16,009	12,868	14,431	20,833
Geekbench 6 (Single)	2,164	2,787	2,964	3,034
Geekbench 6 (Multi)	7,063	8,391	9,081	9,211
GFXB T-rex	60	60	60	120
GFXB Manhattan 3.1	60	60	60	120
GFXB Car Chase	60	60	60	113
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL	Couldn’t Run	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Stress	Couldn’t Run	23,225	25,427	24,983

The Phone 3, Nothing’s debut in the flagship arena, isn’t just keeping up – it’s blazing ahead. Everyday tasks are a breeze, but unleash its true potential by editing photos on the fly with Canva or transferring massive files without a hiccup. Need to pump up the volume? The dual stereo speakers deliver sound powerful enough to electrify any medium-sized room. And with a connectivity suite that includes NFC, Bluetooth 6.0, and 5G, the Phone 3 is primed for anything the future throws its way.

It runs Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.5 out of the box Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Nothing OS 3.5, built on the bedrock of Android 15, powers the Phone 3 straight from the box. Familiar? Yes. The soul of the 3a Pro lives on, but don’t mistake familiarity for stagnation. Nothing refines, doesn’t rebuild. Expect fluid animations and the unmistakable pulse of the Dot Engine – still the heartbeat that sets Nothing apart in a sea of sameness.

Worried about your phone becoming obsolete? Nothing’s got you covered. The Phone 3 isn’t just a stylish piece of tech; it’s an investment. Expect a guaranteed five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches, ensuring your device stays fresh and secure. Get ready for Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 landing on your Phone 3 by Q3 2025 – that’s future-proofing done right.

Forget cluttered notes apps and scattered voice memos. The Phone 3 unveils Nothing’s “Essential Space,” a bold experiment in personal organization. Think of it as your brain’s external hard drive – a dedicated zone for capturing stray thoughts and fleeting inspirations.

But Essential Space is more than just a digital notebook. With Phone 3, Nothing introduces intuitive shortcuts. A simple flip activates recording, instantly preserving your brilliant (or not-so-brilliant) ideas. One press shares screen grabs or camera shots directly to your Essential Space; a long press transforms voice ramblings into searchable text, all on-device.

In practice? Essential Space feels genuinely different. During my test, it served as a refreshing antidote to digital chaos, a sanctuary for those bursts of creativity. Whether this will redefine how we manage our digital lives remains to be seen, but Nothing is certainly betting big on its potential. The future of thought-capture may just be in your pocket.

It comes with an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is snappy Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

Imagine searching your Nothing Phone 3 and finding everything instantly. That’s Essential Search. No more app hopping to find a contact, photo, or document. Need the weather? Boom. Instant answer, no browser needed. And Nothing promises evenmorepersonalized search magic is coming later this year. Prepare to find, faster.

Crystal-clear calls are a given on the Nothing Phone 3. No muffled voices, no frustrating drops – just seamless conversations. Its 5G performance is equally impressive, effortlessly connecting to Airtel and Reliance Jio networks. What truly stood out was its tenacity; even in the shadowy depths of basement parking lots, where budget phones often falter, the Nothing Phone 3 held strong, clinging to a signal like its life depended on it.

The Phone 3 laughs in the face of spills with its IP68 rating, but strangely, it doesn’t quite reach the Herculean IP69 standard embraced by other Android heavyweights this season.

The Phone 3 isn’t just another smartphone; it’s a reliable daily driver that punches above its weight. Light photo and video tweaks? Consider it done. Gaming is on the table, though demanding titles might need a slight settings adjustment. Think of it as a versatile companion, not a dedicated gaming rig, and you won’t be disappointed.

Nothing Phone 3 Camera: Mixed bag

• Camera – Triple 50-megapixel setup (Wide, Periscope, and Ultra-wide)
• Selfie – 50-megapixel sensor
• Videos – 4K Ultra XDR at 30 or 60fps

The Phone 3 isn’t playing camera coy; it’s all-in with a quartet of 50MP sensors. Quirky camera placement aside, the main lens is a genuine workhorse. Expect shots with balanced exposure and a dynamic range that stretches from the brightest highlights to the deepest shadows. Colors are true-to-life, and daytime snaps pop with vibrant hues and satisfying accuracy.

The primary sensor on the Phone 3 is an OmniVision OV50H, while the telephoto is a Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

The camera truly shines, capturing crisp details even under unforgiving indoor lights and in stunning macro shots. Autofocus is lightning-fast and silky smooth, locking onto subjects with ease. Noise? Barely a whisper, even in challenging lighting. See for yourself: daylight samples below reveal the impressive clarity this camera delivers.

Nothing Phone 3 daylight camera samples (tap images to expand)

The Phone 3 captures stunning portraits. Expect radiant faces, colors that pop, and skin tones that feel real. Plus, the artful background blur transforms your snapshots into frame-worthy masterpieces.

Nothing Phone 3 portrait camera sample (tap image to expand)

Low-light photography revealed the Phone 3’s capabilities, mostly impressing in demanding conditions. However, a nagging inconsistency emerged: lens switching produced noticeable variations in image quality, a quirk observed both day and night.

Nothing Phone 3 close-up sample (tap image to expand)

The crimson of a double-decker bus, a quintessential London icon, should be a constant. Yet, switching between the 24mm (1x), 50mm (2x), and 70mm (3x) lenses reveals a frustrating inconsistency. The primary sensor nails the vibrant red, but shift to the 2x and the color subtly washes out. At 3x, that fiery hue is reduced to a mere suggestion of red. It’s a chromatic chameleon act no photographer wants. Fingers crossed a software update can restore color fidelity. One brand has a track record for swift fixes; early reviewers saw immediate improvements via an over-the-air update, transforming what were initially lackluster camera results.

Nothing Phone 3 low-light camera samples (tap images to expand)

During daylight hours, the 50MP selfie camera sings, capturing images bursting with detail and boasting impressive dynamic range. Colors pop, and noise is kept firmly in check. But as the sun dips below the horizon, its performance takes a nosedive. Nighttime shots lack the crispness and clarity found in their daytime counterparts, leaving you wishing for more.

Nothing Phone 3 telephoto daylight samples (tap images to expand)

The Phone 3’s zoom capabilities are a vibrant highlight. In bright light, colors explode with accuracy, while target exposure nails the shot. Even indoors, color consistency remains admirable. The telephoto lens puts in a solid shift during zoom, though fine details can soften. Overall, dynamic range performs adequately.

Nothing Phone 3 ultra-wide samples (tap images to expand)

The Phone 3’s ultra-wide camera? Let’s just say it’s the sensor I trust the least. Forget consistent performance; this lens is a wildcard, churning out unpredictable results regardless of the lighting. It’s the Phone 3’s weakest link.

Nothing Phone 3 selfie camera sample (tap image to expand)

The Nothing Phone 3 boasts respectable video chops, with all four 50MP sensors capable of recording in crisp 4K at a smooth 60fps. However, the camera system is a tale of two lenses. The main camera shines, capturing impressive detail and dynamic range. But temper your expectations for the telephoto and ultra-wide – while competent, they don’t quite reach the same heights as the primary shooter and fall short of segment-leading performance.

Nothing Phone 3 Battery: Well-rounded

• Battery capacity – 5500mAh
• Fast-charging – 65W support (no charging adapter in the box)
• Wireless charging support – 15W

The Nothing Phone 3 scoffs at battery anxiety. India gets a monstrous 5500mAh power cell, while the rest of the world makes do with a still-impressive 5150mAh. Either way, juice is abundant.

But numbers are boring. Let’s talk real-world endurance. This phone laughs in the face of “heavy usage.” I’m talking seven glorious hours of screen-on time: a streaming binge, relentless browsing, gaming marathons, a symphony of messaging apps buzzing in the background, utilities chugging away, and enough camera action to make Ansel Adams jealous. And after all that? Still going strong.

Fueling up is lightning fast too, thanks to 65W charging. Wireless charging at 15W, reverse wireless at 5W, and even 7.5W reverse wired charging are all in the mix.

Forget daily charging; this phone is playing the long game. Light users? Prepare for a staggering 36 hours of freedom from the wall socket. The Nothing Phone 3 redefines battery life.

Much like other Nothing phones, there’s no charging adapter in the box Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

The Phone 3 isn’t just smart; it’s a marathon runner in disguise. In our HD video loop test, this device played a locally stored video for an astounding 21 hours straight before finally throwing in the towel. But the endurance didn’t stop there. PCMark’s Battery test clocked in at an impressive 13 hours and 20 minutes, proving the Phone 3’s battery life is a force to be reckoned with.

Juice up in a flash! The Phone 3 leaps ahead with 65W wired charging, leaving the Phone 2’s 45W in the dust. Prepare for liftoff – a full charge from zero to hero happens in under an hour. Need a quick boost? Twenty minutes is all it takes to rocket your battery to 50%. However, considering the price tag, it feels like a missed opportunity not including a charging brick in the box, or at least offering it as a launch-day perk.

Nothing Phone 3 Verdict

Nothing Phone 3: More Than Just a Pretty (Glow-in-the-Dark) Face.

Forget “flagship killer.” The Nothing Phone 3 is more like a quiet assassin, subtly winning you over with its understated brilliance. It’s undeniably Nothing, doubling down on the transparent design that’s now instantly recognizable. The Glyph Interface? It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a playful invitation to interact with your phone in a whole new way.

Thank the tech gods, Nothing resisted the urge to cram AI down our throats. Essential Search is a genuinely useful feature, a breath of fresh air in a world of intrusive assistants. Performance? Silky smooth. You won’t find yourself yearning for a faster chip, even when pushing it.

Nothing OS, with its signature dot matrix theme, is a visual delight – a refreshing departure from the same-old Android skins. The cameras are the phone’s only Achilles’ heel. They’re good, not great, but here’s hoping Nothing’s software wizards can work their magic. Battery life, however, is a pleasant surprise, easily powering through a full day. The Nothing Phone 3 isn’t just a phone; it’s an experience. And it’s one worth embracing.

Nothing promises 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches Photo Credit: Mohit Dawar/ Gadgets 360

The elephant in the room? That Rs. 79,999 price tag for the Nothing Phone (3). In India’s premium market, it’s a tough sell. Simply put, better options exist. Yes, launch offers dangle the carrot of bank discounts and sweet exchange deals, but these are fleeting mirages. Shave that price down to sub-Rs. 60,000, and suddenly, the Nothing Phone (3) becomes a serious contender.

Shopping for a new phone? Don’t miss the iPhone 16 (or its bigger sibling, the 16 Plus) – a solid choice that won’t break the bank. But if you’re looking for a real showstopper, the Oppo Find X8 impressed us with its outstanding performance. Or, for a spec-packed powerhouse that delivers incredible value, the OnePlus 13 is definitely worth a look.

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